Mobile service block system and method

ABSTRACT

A service block system defining a living space for a user of said service block system, the service block system including: a) a base frame contained in the living space and delimiting a pair of corresponding rooms of the living space, the base frame supporting at least one service unit selected from the group comprising a bathroom unit and a kitchen unit; b) a displacement mechanism operatively connected to the base frame for displacement of the base frame within the living space in order to adjustably vary corresponding sizes of the rooms in accordance with a displacement of the base frame about the living space of the service block system; and c) at least one connection selected from the group comprising plumbing and electrical connections, for connecting the mobile service block system to a corresponding infrastructure of a building associated to the service block system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to building systems, and is moreparticularly directed to a mobile service block system includingprefabricated bathroom, kitchen and other service room units in a singlecompact and mobile form for installation and use in buildings. Thepresent patent application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/651,012 filed on Jul. 17, 2017, which isin turn a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/295,777filed on Jun. 4, 2014, the benefits of these patent applications beingclaimed herein, and the contents of all these patent applications beingalso incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In certain countries, like Canada and the United-States, for example,each person consumes an average of nearly 329 liters of water per day.Energy and water conservation and management are becoming importantconcerns in building constructions. Also, saving space and minimizingthe use of premium materials are also becoming important considerationswhen designing buildings.

Accordingly, there is a need for a building system and method thataddresses at least one of the above-mentioned concerns.

Known to the Applicant is US patent application No. 2011/0209735 A1 madepublic on Sep. 1, 2011, in the name of ROWAN, and relating to a “shelterbuilding”. This document describes a housing for emergencies or forthose in need could be a short-term solution or may be set up as alonger-term shelter. The shelter may be flexible to grow and changeenough to accommodate the individual, the family and the community. Theshelter is more substantial than a tent and easier to assemble andtransport as compared to conventional shelters. The shelter can betransported in a standard size truck bed (for example, 4 feet by 8 feet)and erected by two individuals in a minimal amount of time, typicallyless than an hour. The walls of the shelter may include variousfeatures, including shelving, bathing facilities, sinks, beds, lighting,and the like. The shelters may be designed to be connected to externalelectric and water supplies. Optionally, the shelters may be designed asstand-alone, “off-the-grid” units. The ceiling of the shelter mayinclude one or more solar panels to provide power for the shelter. Theshelter's container provides the essentials needed to sustain life. Thistakes away the need for standing in multiple lines and gives the muchneeded immediate help.

Also known to the Applicant is US patent application No. 2002/0024274A1, in the name of SWAAB, made public on Feb. 28, 2002, and relating toa “workspace”. This document describes a work space which incorporatesstructures in order to flexibly divide the workspace into areas. Thestructures are moveable to adjust the prospective sizes of the areas asrequired by differing business teams over a commercial project lifespan.The structures incorporate a plurality of facilities normally requiredby staff such as telephone and power connections, etc.

Also known to the Applicant is U.S. Pat. No. 9,222,255 B2, in the nameof JOHNSON et al., granted on Dec. 29, 2015, and relating to an“apparatus and method for reconfigurable space”. This document describesa reconfigurable space system and components therefore which can bereconfigured to accommodate sleeping space, entertainment space, workspace, kitchen space, dining space and various combinations thereof.

Also known to the Applicant is French document No. FR 2286923 A1, in thename of CAMUSOT, made public on Apr. 30, 1976, which relates to a“prefabricated building unit system”. Based on an English translation ofthe abstract, this document describes a unit which is designed to enablethe structure and the major part of its fittings to be fabricated underfactory conditions. Before transport to site the unit is provided withbathroom fittings, domestic fluid supply located centrally, and serviceconnections to the majority of appliances and fittings, including thoseoutside the unit. The framework permits transport of single, double orfour unit combinations of the base unit and service distribution gear isprovided for domestic hot and cold water supply, waste disposal,ventilation, electricity and gas.

Despite these known conventional systems, there is always a need tocontinue innovating and finding better and/or different ways ofproviding dwellings for people, in a quicker, easier, simpler, faster,more efficient, more economical, more reliable, more adjustable, moreversatile, more adaptable, more environmentally-friendly, moresustainable and/or more desirable manner.

Therefore, it would be particularly useful to be able to provide animproved system which would be able to overcome or at the very leastminimize some of known drawbacks associated with the conventional waysof providing living spaces and/or building systems, for example.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a service block systemwhich, by virtue of its design and components, would be an improvementover other related conventional systems.

In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved,as will be easily understood from the present description, with aservice block system (also referred to herein simply as “system”) suchas the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified inthe accompanying drawing(s).

More particularly, according to one aspect of the present invention, anobject is to provide a service block system defining a living space fora user of said service block system, the service block systemcomprising:

-   -   a base frame contained in the living space and delimiting a pair        of corresponding rooms of the living space, the base frame        supporting at least one service unit selected from the group        comprising a bathroom unit and a kitchen unit;    -   a displacement mechanism operatively connected to the base frame        for displacement of the base frame within the living space in        order to adjustably vary corresponding sizes of the rooms in        accordance with a displacement of the base frame about the        living space of the service block system; and    -   at least one connection selected from the group comprising        plumbing and electrical connections, for connecting the mobile        service block system to a corresponding infrastructure of a        building associated to the service block system.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided aliving space (ex. apartment, condo, building, and/or etc.) comprisingthe above-mentioned service block system. Optionally, the mobile serviceblock system may be displaceable between a daytime location foroperational use during a daytime period, and a nighttime location foroperational use during a nighttime period, for example.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provideda method of manufacturing components of the above-mentioned serviceblock system.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provideda method of assembling components of the above-mentioned service blocksystem.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provideda method of using the above-mentioned service block system and/orcomponent(s) thereof.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provideda kit with components for assembling the above-mentioned service blocksystem.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is alsoprovided a set of components for interchanging with components of theabove-mentioned kit.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is alsoprovided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kitand/or set.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is alsoprovided a method of creating and/or adjusting a living space with theabove-mentioned service block system, component(s) thereof, kit, setand/or method(s).

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is alsoprovided an infrastructure (ex. apartment, condo, building, and/or etc.)provided with the above-mentioned living space and associated serviceblock system, and/or component(s) thereof.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is alsoprovided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned serviceblock system, component(s) thereof, kit, set and/or method(s).

The objects, advantages, and other features of the present inventionwill become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictivedescription of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose ofexemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomebetter understood with reference to the description in association withthe following Figures, in which similar references used in differentFigures denote similar components, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mobile service block systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the mobile service block system shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mobile service block system shown in FIG.1.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are top views of a room unit including the mobileservice block system shown in FIG. 1 in a daytime configuration and anighttime configuration respectively.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of manufacturing and installation of a mobileservice block system.

FIGS. 6A to 6E are rear, front, top and side views respectively of themobile service block system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a side cross-sectional view of the kitchen and laundry unitof the mobile service block system shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7B and 7C are front and side cross-sectional views respectively ofa bathroom unit of the mobile service block system shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are top, front and side cross-sectional viewsrespectively of a kitchen unit of the mobile service block system shownin FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9A to 9C are top, front and side views respectively of a bathroomunit of the mobile service block system shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer tosimilar elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity,namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several referencenumbers, only some figures have been provided with reference numbers,and components and features of the present invention illustrated inother figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments,geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shownin the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.

Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed creatingand/or adjusting a living space, within a given floor layout, forexample, it may be used with other objects and/or in other types ofapplications, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For thisreason, expressions such as “creating”, “adjusting”, “living”, “space”,“floor”, “layout”, etc., used herein should not be taken so as to limitthe scope of the present invention and include all other kinds ofobjects and/or applications with which the present invention could beused and may be useful, as can be easily understood by a person skilledin the art.

Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions“service block system”, “system”, device”, “assembly”, “apparatus”,“product”, “unit”, “equipment”, “method” and “kit”, as well as any otherequivalent expression(s) and/or compound word(s) thereof known in theart will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in theart. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions,such as, for example: a) “varying”, “adjusting”, “creating”,“selecting”, “modifying”, “altering”, “displacing”, “configuring”, etc.;b) “space”, “room”, “floor”, “layout”, “footprint”, “configuration”,“disposition”, “area”, etc.; c) “connection”, “wiring”, “piping”,“conduit”, “link”, “channel”, “cable”, etc.; as well as for any othermutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementionedexpressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional aspects ofthe present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.Also, in the context of the present description, expressions such as“can”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “would”, etc., mayalso be used interchangeably, whenever appropriate, as also apparent toa person skilled in the art.

Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will beconsidered that all elongated objects will have an implicit“longitudinal axis” or “centerline”, such as the longitudinal axis ofshaft for example, or the centerline of a coiled spring, for example,and that expressions such as “connected” and “connectable”, or “mounted”and “mountable”, may be interchangeable, in that the present inventionalso relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling aresulting fully-assembled and fully-operational service block system.

Moreover, components of the present system(s) and/or steps of themethod(s) described herein could be modified, simplified, altered,omitted and/or interchanged, without departing from the scope of thepresent invention, depending on the particular application(s) which thepresent invention is intended for, and the desired end result(s), asbriefly exemplified herein and as also apparent to a person skilled inthe art.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present inventionas illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise various components,and although the preferred embodiments of the present service blocksystem and corresponding portion(s)/part(s)/component(s) as shownconsist of certain geometrical configurations, as explained andillustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries areessential to the invention and thus should not be taken in theirrestrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken so as to limit the scope ofthe present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to aperson skilled in the art, that other suitable components andcooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometricalconfigurations may be used for the present service block system andcorresponding portion(s)/part(s)/component(s) according to the presentinvention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easilyinferred here from by a person skilled in the art, without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

LIST OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES FOR SOME OF THE CORRESPONDING POSSIBLECOMPONENTS ILLUSTRATED IN THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

-   -   10. transportable service block system    -   12. base frame    -   14. service unit    -   16. bathroom unit    -   18. kitchen unit    -   20. laundry unit    -   22. closet unit    -   24. displacement mechanism    -   30. bathroom sink    -   32. toilet    -   34. glass window    -   36. wheel element    -   40. electronic display system    -   42. counter top    -   44. kitchen sink    -   46. appliance    -   50. room unit    -   102. cupboard    -   104. steel plate    -   106. headboard    -   108. counter top    -   112. lighting system (ex. DEL lighting system)    -   114. storage space (or “storage area”)    -   120. shower    -   122. structural wall (and/or structural door)    -   124. closet space    -   126. dryer    -   201. service block system (ex. mobile and/or movable service        block system)    -   203. living space    -   205. base frame    -   207. room    -   207 a. first room    -   207 b. second room    -   209. service unit    -   209 a. bathroom unit    -   209 b. kitchen unit    -   209 c. laundry unit    -   209 d. closet unit    -   211. displacement mechanism    -   213. connection    -   213 a. plumbing connection    -   213 b. electrical connection    -   215. infrastructure.    -   217. footprint (ex. floor layout)    -   217 a. first side (of footprint)    -   217 b. second side (of footprint)    -   219. bathroom sink    -   221. toilet    -   223. window    -   225. wheel element    -   227. wall element    -   229. electronic display system    -   231. adjustable base    -   233. external face    -   235. kitchen countertop    -   237. kitchen sink

Broadly described, and as better exemplified in and/or can be easilyunderstood from, when referring to the accompanying drawings, thepresent invention relates to a service block system (201) defining aliving space (203) for a user of said service block system (201), theservice block system (201) comprising:

-   -   a base frame (205) contained in the living space (203) and        delimiting a pair of corresponding rooms (207 a,207 b) of the        living space (203), the base frame (201) supporting at least one        service unit (209) selected from the group comprising a bathroom        unit (209 a) and a kitchen unit (209 b);    -   a displacement mechanism (211) operatively connected to the base        frame (205) for displacement of the base frame (205) within the        living space (203) in order to adjustably vary corresponding        sizes of the rooms (207) in accordance with a displacement of        the base frame (205) about the living space (203) of the service        block system (201); and    -   at least one connection (213) selected from the group comprising        plumbing and electrical connections (213 a,213 b), for        connecting the mobile service block system (201) to a        corresponding infrastructure (215) of a building associated to        the service block system.

The base frame (205) may support an integrated bathroom unit (209 a),kitchen unit (209 b), laundry unit (209 c) and closet unit (209 d), forexample.

According to one possible embodiment, the base frame (205) occupies asubstantially rectangular footprint (217), the bathroom unit (209 a)occupies a first side portion (217 a) of the rectangular footprint(217), the laundry unit (209 c) and the closet unit (209 d) are in aside-by-side configuration and the kitchen unit (209 b) is in aback-to-back configuration with respect to the side-by-sideconfiguration of the laundry and closet units (209 c,209 d), and whereinthe kitchen, laundry and closet units (209 b,209 c,209 d) occupy asecond side portion (217 b) of the rectangular footprint (217).

The substantially rectangular footprint (217) may occupy a surface ofabout 55 ft², for example, although various other square footages arealso contemplated, for the present system (201).

According to one possible embodiment, the base frame (205) comprisesFSC™-certified wood components (FSC™ being a trademark for “ForestStewardship Council”, and being referred herein also as simply “FSC”).

According to one possible embodiment, the service block system (201)comprises a bathroom unit (209 a), the bathroom unit (209 a) comprisinga bathroom sink (219) and a toilet (221). The bathroom unit (209 a) mayfurther comprise an openable glass window (223) for controlling humiditywithin the bathroom unit (209 a), for example.

The displacement mechanism (211) may comprise a plurality of 360°pivotable wheel elements (225) distributed about the base frame (205),the wheel elements (225) being selectively lockable during operationaluse of the at least one service unit (209) and unlocked duringdisplacement of the mobile service block system (201), for example.

The at least one service unit (209) may comprise a wall element (227)configured to support an electronic display system (229) mounted on apivotable and adjustable base (231) on an external face (233) of themobile service block system (201), for example. The service block system(201) may also comprise a kitchen unit (209 b), the kitchen unit (209 b)comprising a stainless steel counter top (235) with an integratedkitchen sink (237), for example.

Other possible aspect(s), object(s), embodiment(s), variant(s), and/orresulting advantage(s) of the present service block system (1), allbeing preferred and/or optional, are briefly explained hereinbelow, andcan be easily understood and/or inferred from the accompanying drawings,as well.

Namely, and when referring to the accompanying figures, a mobile serviceblock system (10) is shown. The mobile service block system (10)includes a base frame (12) supporting at least one service unit (14)selected from the group comprising bathroom units (16), kitchen units(18), laundry units (20), and closet units (22). The mobile serviceblock system (10) also includes a displacement mechanism (24)operatively connected to the base frame (12) for displacement of thebase frame (12) and of the mobile service block system (10) from onelocation to another.

In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the baseframe (12) supports an integrated bathroom unit (16), kitchen unit (18),laundry unit (20) and closet unit (22).

In some implementations, the base frame (12) occupies a substantiallyrectangular footprint, the bathroom unit (16) occupies a first sideportion of the rectangular footprint, the laundry unit (20) and thecloset (22) unit are in a side-by-side configuration and the kitchenunit (18) is in a back-to-back configuration with respect to theside-by-side configuration of the laundry and closet units (20,22), andwherein the kitchen, laundry and closet units occupy a second sideportion of the rectangular footprint.

In preferred embodiments, the substantially rectangular footprintoccupies a surface of about 55 ft². However, the overall surface andshape of the footprint can vary according to the number of units locatedon the base frame (12). More units will result in a larger footprint,and less units will result in a smaller footprint.

In some implementations, the base frame (12) comprises FSC-certifiedwood components.

In some implementations, the mobile service block system (10) furtherincludes plumping and electrical connections for connecting the mobileservice block system to a plumbing and electrical infrastructure of abuilding.

In some implementations, as shown in the accompanying figures, thebathroom unit (16) includes a bathroom sink (30) and a toilet (32), thetoilet (32) being configured to recycle water from the bathroom sink(30). The bathroom unit (16) can also include a shower (120) with acontroller limiting shower time to 7 minutes, for example. Structuralwalls or doors (122) of the bathroom unit can be made with flexible,durable materials that perform well under the repetitive displacementsof the mobile service block system

In some implementations, the bathroom unit (16) further includes anopenable glass window (34) for controlling humidity within the bathroomunit (16).

In some implementations, the displacement mechanism (24) comprises aplurality of 360° pivotable wheel elements (36) distributed about thebase frame (12), the wheel elements (36) being selectively lockableduring operational use of the at least one service unit (14) andunlocked during displacement of the mobile service block system (10).

In some implementations, as shown in the accompanying figures, at leastone service unit (14) comprises a wall element (38) configured tosupport an electronic display system (40) mounted on a pivotable andadjustable base on an external face of the mobile service block system(10). The closet unit (22) can include a deep closet space (124) thatcan accommodate full length clothing. The laundry unit (20) can alsoinclude optimized storage space (114), as well as a combinedwasher-condensation dryer (126), which reduces water and energyconsumption.

In some implementations, as shown in the accompanying FIG. 2, thekitchen unit (18) includes a stainless steel counter top (42) with anintegrated kitchen sink (44). As better shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, thekitchen units can have wood cupboards (102) with for example a clearvarnish. Stainless steel plates (104) can be used to cover lateralwalls. A wooden headboard (106) can be provided above the counter top(42), and can provide an aperture to receive an electrical outlet. Insome embodiments, the stainless steel counter top (42) can be a 304stainless steel caliber 16 counter top (108) configured to receive acooking surface (110). The kitchen unit (18) can also include a DELlighting system (112). In the kitchen unit, storage areas (114) can beoptimized for space usage.

In some implementations, the mobile service block system (10) isconfigured to receive energy and water efficient appliances (46) for usewithin the mobile service block system (10).

According to the present invention, as better shown in FIG. 5, there isalso provided a method of installing a mobile service block system in abuilding comprising:

-   -   a) prefabricating a mobile service block system as described        and/or illustrated in the present patent specification, a        manufacturing location (step 200);    -   b) transporting the prefabricated mobile service block system        from the manufacturing location to a building location (step        300); and    -   c) connecting the prefabricated mobile service block system to a        plumbing and electrical infrastructure of the building (step        400).

Prefabrication Step

In all respects, prefabrication assists in installation at the worksite.First, this type of prefabrication construction encourages a better useof materials and generating much less losses. Skilled workers performrepetitive tasks and ensure a greater quality of assembly and in lesstime, thus resulting in cost savings. In the end, prefabrication offersbetter working conditions for workers and generates a minimalenvironmental impact.

In some implementations, the prefabricating step further comprises astep of storing a plurality of mobile service block systems at themanufacturing location, thus avoiding further transport.

Transporting Step

In some implementations, the prefabricated mobile service block systemis wrapped in recycled cardboard during the transporting step. Suchpackaging minimally protects the contents until delivery. Thedistribution is done by truck, where the modules are stored andprotected by reusable blankets in the semi-trailer box, until deliveryat the building directly to the accommodation of the user. As shown instep 400 of FIG. 5, a “forklift” can be used to introduce the system ondifferent floors and where the system is readily connectable for use.

In some implementations, the system consumes about 35% less water and45% less energy than a similar standard residential development. Itsdurable design allows it to be moved from one dwelling to another andoffers a long term solution. Obsolete components can be easily replaced,thus ensuring an extended life time.

Recycling Step

In some implementations, the method further includes a step ofdisassembling and recycling (step 500) the mobile service block systemat an end of an operational life of the mobile service block system.Having reached the end of its useful life, the system can be largelydisassembled and more than 90% recycled. After-sales service availableon site can encourage users to send obsolete parts or the entire systemto the appropriate recycling center.

According to the present invention, as better shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B,there is also provided a room unit (50) including a mobile service blocksystem as defined above.

In some implementations, the mobile service block system (10) isdisplaceable between a daytime location for operational use during adaytime period (shown in FIG. 4A) and a nighttime location foroperational use during a nighttime period (shown in FIG. 4B).

In some implementations, this prefabricated system can be pre-fittedwith energy and water efficient appliances and can be characterized byvarious environmental aspects, including its FSC-certified woodstructure (see step 100 in FIG. 5), low consumption of water and energy,durability, etc. Operation of the system is simple, flexible and easilyadaptable to various buildings, as small as it is, provided that accessto water and electricity connections is possible in the building.

Unlike prefabricated bathrooms and kitchens already available on themarket, the system is distinguished by its mobility and overallecodesign. Its size, its weight, small footprint, is easy to integrate amultitude of areas, as its low energy and water consumption and sleekdesign make it a great alternative.

By its small size, the system requires approximately 47% less rawmaterials when compared to several traditional kitchens, laundry roomand bath designs. The construction of a frame and a trim structure ofFSC-certified wood from a regional supply provides a guarantee ofconcern for resource management. The FSC label thus provides added valueto the project. The choice of stainless steel also proves interestingbecause a large portion of the system comes from recycling local waste.

In some implementations, the system (10) is a 55 ft² mobile serviceblock together with pre-fitted energy and water efficient kitchen,laundry and bathroom amenities. This prefabricated module and equippedwith approved appliances is characterized by various environmentalaspects, including its FSC-certified wood structure (see step 100 inFIG. 5), low consumption of water and energy, durability, etc. Theoperation is simple, flexible and easily adaptable to variousfacilities, as small as it is, if access to water and electricityconnections are possible.

In some implementations, the design of the system is characterized by acomprehensive approach to product life cycle, from raw materialextraction to disposal at end of life. Different economic, social andenvironmental issues were identified considering the stages of lifecycle analysis and were addressed to propose a solution to the variousproblems of production and consumption that were observed. Variousstrategies were used to minimize adverse environmental and socialimpacts, including a selection of local materials that are durable andresistant over time. In addition, the small design of the module and itsprefabrication ensures optimized production and improved resourcemanagement. The selected components of the module are there to reducethe consumption of water and energy.

In some implementations, the system on wheels fits various floor plans.Through its simple architecture, it gives way to an airy, freeexpression that everyone can customize. The system is ecologicallydesigned and consumes resources responsibly. The durability of themodule allows it to be moved. Thus, in the long term, it can easily betransported by truck, connected and reused in a new space, as if thesystem was an average piece of furniture, all with maximum comfort in aminimum of space.

The realization of this type of construction can encourage othercompanies to create eco minimalist architectural design, thereby seekingto reduce their environmental footprint and lead to rethinking massresidential building. The Applicant encourages other architects,designers, developers and contractors to develop and promote solutionsto overconsumption. Oversized houses are outdated. By offering a uniqueusage scenario based on the sustainability objectives of eco-design, thesystem provides a long-term solution that follows us over time. Its rawmaterials and simple designs are timeless. The goal is to educate andinspire corporate actors to undertake such an approach in the context ofa more conscious development of the environment for this growing sectorof construction projects. Overall, the Applicant seeks to inspire abetter management of resources among the population in the hope ahealthier planet.

The following table shows examples of water and energy consumption ofcomponents used in the mobile service block system in contrast withtraditional components:

WATER ENERGY Components CONSUMPTION CONSUMPTION Toilet macerator system— 8 kWh/year according to invention Traditional toilet 13 L/flush —Toilet according less than 6 L/flush* — to invention Traditionalbathroom 13.5 L/min — faucet Bathroom faucet 9 L/min — according toinvention Traditional shower 9.5 L/min — Shower according 6.65 L/min —to invention Traditional washer-dryer 90 L/wash 500 kWh/yearWasher-dryer according 40 L/wash 216 kWh/year to invention Traditionalfridge — 550 kWh/year Fridge according — 330 kWh/year to inventionTraditional kitchen faucet 13.5 L/min — Kitchen faucet according 5.7L/min — to invention Traditional 4-piece — 400 kWh/year cooking surface2-piece cooking surface — 365 kWh/year according to inventionTraditional dish-washer 45 L/wash 310 kWh/year Hand washing of dishes 15L/wash — according to invention Traditional microwave — 30 kWh/yearMicrowave according — 25 kWh/year to invention Traditional water heater— 5 000 kWh/year Instant water heater — 2 000 kWh/year according toinvention Traditional television — 100 kWh/year Television according —53 kWh/year to invention *unused faucet water sent to the toilet

Of course, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in theart, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the possibleembodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadestinterpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Furthermore, although preferred embodiments of the present inventionhave been briefly described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited tothese embodiments and that various changes and modifications could bemade without departing form the scope and spirit of the presentinvention, as defined in the appended claims and as apparent to a personskilled in the art.

1. A service block system (201) defining a living space (203) for a userof said service block system (201), the service block system (201)comprising: a base frame (205) contained in the living space (203) anddelimiting a pair of corresponding rooms (207 a,207 b) of the livingspace (203), the base frame (201) supporting at least one service unit(209) selected from the group comprising a bathroom unit (209 a) and akitchen unit (209 b); a displacement mechanism (211) operativelyconnected to the base frame (205) for displacement of the base frame(205) within the living space (203) in order to adjustably varycorresponding sizes of the rooms (207) in accordance with a displacementof the base frame (205) about the living space (203) of the serviceblock system (201); and at least one connection (213) selected from thegroup comprising plumbing and electrical connections (213 a,213 b), forconnecting the mobile service block system (201) to a correspondinginfrastructure (215) of a building associated to the service blocksystem.
 2. The service block system (201) according to claim 1, whereinthe base frame (205) supports an integrated bathroom unit (209 a),kitchen unit (209 b), laundry unit (209 c) and closet unit (209 d). 3.The service block system (201) according to claim 2, wherein the baseframe (205) occupies a substantially rectangular footprint (217), thebathroom unit (209 a) occupies a first side portion (217 a) of therectangular footprint (217), the laundry unit (209 c) and the closetunit (209 d) are in a side-by-side configuration and the kitchen unit(209 b) is in a back-to-back configuration with respect to theside-by-side configuration of the laundry and closet units (209 c,209d), and wherein the kitchen, laundry and closet units (209 b,209 c,209d) occupy a second side portion (217 b) of the rectangular footprint(217).
 4. The service block system (201) according to claim 3, whereinthe substantially rectangular footprint (217) occupies a surface ofabout 55 ft².
 5. The service block system (201) according to claim 1,wherein the base frame (205) comprises FSC-certified wood components. 6.The service block system (201) according to claim 1, the block system(201) comprising a bathroom unit (209 a), the bathroom unit (209 a)comprising a bathroom sink (219) and a toilet (221).
 7. The serviceblock system (201) according to claim 6, wherein the bathroom unit (209a) further comprises an openable glass window (223) for controllinghumidity within the bathroom unit (209 a).
 8. The service block system(201) according to claim 1, wherein the displacement mechanism (211)comprises a plurality of 360° pivotable wheel elements (225) distributedabout the base frame (205), the wheel elements (225) being selectivelylockable during operational use of the at least one service unit (209)and unlocked during displacement of the mobile service block system(201).
 9. The service block system (201) according to claim 1, whereinat least one service unit (209) comprises a wall element (227)configured to support an electronic display system (229) mounted on apivotable and adjustable base (231) on an external face (233) of themobile service block system (201).
 10. The service block system (201)according to claim 1, the block system (201) comprising a kitchen unit(209 b), the kitchen unit (209 b) comprising a stainless steel countertop (235) with an integrated kitchen sink (237).
 11. A living space(203) comprising a mobile service block system (201) as defined inclaim
 1. 12. The living space (203) according to claim 11, wherein themobile service block system (201) is displaceable between a daytimelocation for operational use during a daytime period and a nighttimelocation for operational use during a nighttime period.
 13. A serviceblock system (201) defining a living space (203) for a user of saidservice block system (201), the service block system (201) comprising: abase frame (205) contained in the living space (203) and delimiting apair of corresponding rooms (207 a,207 b) of the living space (203), thebase frame (201) supporting at least one service unit (209) selectedfrom the group comprising a bathroom unit (209 a) and a kitchen unit(209 b); a displacement mechanism (211) operatively connected to thebase frame (205) for displacement of the base frame (205) within theliving space (203) in order to adjustably vary corresponding sizes ofthe rooms (207) in accordance with a displacement of the base frame(205) about the living space (203) of the service block system (201);and at least one connection (213) selected from the group comprisingplumbing and electrical connections (213 a,213 b), for connecting themobile service block system (201) to a corresponding infrastructure(215) of a building associated to the service block system; wherein thebase frame (205) supports an integrated bathroom unit (209 a), kitchenunit (209 b), laundry unit (209 c) and closet unit (209 d); wherein thebase frame (205) occupies a substantially rectangular footprint (217),the bathroom unit (209 a) occupies a first side portion (217 a) of therectangular footprint (217), the laundry unit (209 c) and the closetunit (209 d) are in a side-by-side configuration and the kitchen unit(209 b) is in a back-to-back configuration with respect to theside-by-side configuration of the laundry and closet units (209 c,209d), and wherein the kitchen, laundry and closet units (209 b,209 c,209d) occupy a second side portion (217 b) of the rectangular footprint(217); wherein the bathroom unit (209 a) comprises a bathroom sink (219)and a toilet (221); wherein the bathroom unit (209 a) further comprisesan openable glass window (223) for controlling humidity within thebathroom unit (209 a); wherein the displacement mechanism ((211)comprises a plurality of 360° pivotable wheel elements (225) distributedabout the base frame (205), the wheel elements (225) being selectivelylockable during operational use of the at least one service unit (209)and unlocked during displacement of the mobile service block system(201); wherein at least one service unit (209) comprises a wall element(227) configured to support an electronic display system (229) mountedon a pivotable and adjustable base (231) on an external face (233) ofthe mobile service block system (201); and wherein the kitchen unit (209b) comprises a stainless steel counter top (235) with an integratedkitchen sink (237).